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And the Story of 

acije JHount "tJernon Ealrieg* ^s^sJociation 

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gCI.A313520 




WASHINGTON S HOME 



The Work of The Mount Vernon Ladies 
Association c/the Union 



THE MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION 
has rescued the tomb and home of Washington from 
destruction and has restored Mount Vernon to its 
old-time loveliness. A^'ashington's home is charming to-day 
even as it was when weary with years of war and party 
strife the great man found in this loved spot the repose of 
private life and the tranquil retirement of a Virginia coun- 
trv gentleman. 

To preserve Mount Vernon perpetually unchanged in 
memory of Washington is the sacred trust of the Mount 
Vernon Association, and this trust is held in the name of the 
women of the nation who purchased it. 



This purchase was sealed by an act of incorporation and 
a charter granted by the Legislature of Virginia creating 
this association a private eleemosynary corporation with the 
right to hold the deed of this estate. 

The undertaking by women to purchase ^Nlount A^ernon 
was started in 1853. This Association is,- there fore, the 
oldest woman's patriotic association in this country. 

It is frequently asked, How did women accomplish, the 
purchase of Mount Vernon? 



The Oft-Told Tale 



^ 



Fifty years after the death of Washington, ^Ir. John Au- 
gustine Washington and his family were living upon this 
estate. Its broad acres brought a burden of responsibility 
without profit, for the land was poor, and the mansion and 
the tomb and grounds w^re going to ruin. 

There could be no family privacy, for patriotic tourists 
arrived at all hours. With reluctance ^Ir. Washington pub- 
liclv offered ^Mount ^'ernon for sale to the United States 
Government. He at first declined to sell to any other pur- 
chaser than to Congress. 

Congress declined to purchase. 

Mr. Washington next offered to sell ^Mount Vernon to 
the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purchase was especially 
urged upon the Legislature. Virginia declined to purchase. 




\\'Ar^Hi.NW rOx\ S TOMl; 



Speculators offered a large sum for Washington's home, 
and proposed to make it a place of public amusement. 

In the year 1855 the ''Record" said: "If it be asked why 
Congress does not buy and preserve ^Nlount Vernon, we 
answer 'It is certain that Congress, in the first hour of grief 
at Washington's death, went so far as to vote the sum of 
sixty thousand dollars to build a mausoleum to the Father 
of his Country.' 

"If it be asked, Where is that mausoleum? echo only 
answers from the crumbling roof tree that sheltered him, 
from the portico where he walked at eventide, now an un- 
safe spot for children to play; from the tomb falling to 
destruction. 

"The question why did not men rescue Mount Vernon 
can best be answered by men." 



Meantime the bells tolled as steamboats passed the hal- 
lowed spot, and the tolling bell inspired the heart of a pass- 
ing traveller to high endeavor. 

Ann Pamila Cunningham, a daughter of South Carolina, 
started a movement among Southern women to the rescue 
of Washington's home and tomb. She sent "appeals" every- 
where, and she called, "All women, help." A wave of patri- 
otic enthusiasm was started that grew and swept the entire 
country. 

Having failed to sell Mount Vernon either to Congress 
or to Virginia, Mr. Washington was induced to sell to the 
Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. 

South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama led in the move- 
ment and Virginia fell into line. Organization and an ac- 
tive campaign followed, and there were lady managers in 
every city and county of every State, and they wTre every- 
where enthusiastically supported by the most leading and 
distinguished men. One dollar subscriptions were asked, 
and the purchase money poured into the treasury not only 
from every State, but from Americans abroad, from army 
and navy, from Masonic societies, and from many organi- 
zations. 

The missionaries heard and they took a hand, and the 
Judd family led the list from the Sandwich Islands, 
Hawaii, ^laui, and Kaui. 

A youthful son of Florida, with the thermometer at 85 
degrees, collected S850 in three weeks in his recess hours 
from school. 




The Barn and Coach that was exhibited at the Philadelphia Centennial as Wash- 
ington's Chariot. 

It is well known that Washington's Chariot has no existenee. This Chariot is its 
FACSIMILE. It is NOT EXHIBITED AS A RELIC. The seasons were painted upon the 
four panels of Washington's Coach, and his Arms upon the door. Washington rode 
in this Coach on several occasions. 



The Hon. Edward Everett, of Massachusetts, delivered 
his matchless oration on Washington in Richmond. He 
stated on that occasion that he would deliver it seven hun- 
dred and seventy times if the people desired, he having 
already pronounced it seventy times, yielding at that time 
$40,000. 

Mr. Everett's Southern tour was an ovation. South Caro- 
lina led the way, while the delightfully old-fashioned South 
Carolina sjentlewoman continued sendins; broadcast soul- 
stirring "appeals," adding continual fuel to the flame of 
patriotic feeling that animated the nation in memory of 
Washington. 



Miss Cunningham modestly signed her stirring epistles 
"The Southern Matron," for she greatly feared lest her real 
name should l^ecome known. She was reluctantly persuaded 
to abandon her incomito bv her Virginia Counsellor, Mr. 
John Harmon Gilmer, when the formal act of incorporation 
took place. 

The charter granted by the State of Virginia authorized 
the ]:)urchase of tliis property by the Mount Vernon Ladies' 
Association of the Union, to be forever held sacred to the 
"Father of his Country." The possession of a charter did 
not bring a guarantee that the Association would forever 
continue to exist, and it devolved upon the parties arranging 
for this purchase to provide against every possible contin- 
gency which could affect its future safety. 

"A faithful discharge of duty to the remains of Wash- 
ington compelled the appointment of a residuary legatee, 
for \lv. Washington refused to allow the property to revert 
to his heirs; it could not descend to subscribers, it could not 
l^e held ])y Congress, as by the Constitution of the United 
States Congress cannot hold property in a soverign State 
without the consent of that State, and this Virginia would 
never grant. 

"Necessity, therefore, as well as prudence further pro- 
vided: 'If for any cause this Association should cease to 
exist. Mount Vernon shall revert to the State of Virginia, 
sacred forever to \A'ashington.' " 

"Should this fail, its guardianship should be imposed 
upon the Mother State." 




THE SUMMER HOLSE OVEELOOKING THE DEER PARK 
NIGH THE HA-HA WALL 

The early membership of this Association was scattered 
world-wide. Its constitution calls for a regent, and for the 
appointment of a vice-regent to represent each State when 
practicable. The vice-regents are nominated by the regent 
and are confirmed by the Council. 

x\nn Pamela Cunningham was the first regent. "Miss 
Harriet Clayton Comegys, of Dover, Delaware, is the pres- 
ent regent. Her father, the late Judge Comegys, Chief Jus- 
tice of Delaware, was one of the first members of the Ad- 
visory Board for this Association during the Civil War. 
Her mother w^as the first vice-regent for Delaware, and 
under her leadership the amount contributed by Delaware 
toward the purchase of Mount Vernon was in proportion 
to its size larger than from any other State. 



There have been three vice-regents for Virginia — Mrs. 
William Ritchie, Mrs. Thompson Mason, and the writer. 

The sail down the Potomac from Washington to Mount 
Vernon is very delightful. 

The Charles McAUster is a wfell-appointed, spacious 
steamer that was built for this excursion. Its wharf is at 
the end of Seventh street. It starts daily, Sundays excepted, 
at 10 A. ]\I., and the tickets include a coupon, which gives 
admission to Mount Vernon. 

Children are admitted free to the age of ten years. Dur- 
ing the summer months there is an afternoon trip. 

The view of the mansion from the river is impressive. 
As. the steamer turns to the wharf one catches a sight of 
Eelvoir. just beyond, and Gunston Hall, the seat of George 
Mason, is not far below. 

There is a gentle ascent from the wharf to the tomb. A 
park wagon will carry one around the hill, passing the 
tomb to the mansion. 

INIost visitors prefer to walk at leisure first to the tomb, 
passing the ancient barn, and across to the summer house 
to rest a bit. Passing this way, the atmosphere of this con- 
secrated spot quickens the imagination. The mansion, with 
its grand portico and colonade, stands out in beauty. It 
would seem Washington and his lady and their guests might 
be within. 

Washington selected the location of his tomb, and his 
will directed that it should be built in brick according to 




THE WHARF WITH A SECTION OF THE SEA WALL 

plans drawn by himself. No change will be peniiitted here. 
No costly mausoleum shall be reared above Washington. 

His wish shall be respected. 

Two hundred thousand dollars w^re paid for two hun- 
dred acres of land. In the year 1858 the entire payment 
had been made, and there remained $23,000 of the amount 
that had been collected. This was at once expended in re- 
pairs upon the toml) and the mansion and upon the out- 
buildings. The need was urgent, for the roof of the grand 
portico w^as near to falling, and was supported and propped 
along its entire length. 

The State of New York gave $38,378.00, followed by 
Massachusetts, Alabama, California, and Georgia. Vir- 
ginia came seventh with a contribution of $7,089.61. 



To tell of the work done at iMount Vernon would fill a 
book. 

. The foundations of the mansion have been strongly rein- 
forced, and the entire building has been strengthened at 
every possible point. The concussion of the heavy practice 
guns at the fort rattle the windows and jar the building. 

The entrance fee of twenty-five cents makes the revenue 
that supports Mount ^ ernon. 

Each year Ijrings increasing numbers of visitors, and 
each succeeding year has brought increased expense. 

Every visitor thus Ijecomes a sharer in the preservation 
of Washington's home. There are few who are not pleased 
to know the source of its revenue, and that they have a part 
in the work. 

Without a charge the place would be overrun and spoiled. 
The safety of Mount Vernon requires an entrance fee. 

Very many Virginians have never seen Mount Vernon. In 
all this broad, restless land there is no such charming, rest- 
ful and sacred spot. 

Washington beautified his loved home. No pomp nor 
trappings of official life are here, only the unostentatious 
home of a Virginia gentleman. 

Its simplicity and its calm repose create its wondrous 
charm. 

From the Summer House nigh the Ha! Ha! wall, over- 
looking the deer park, Washington could note the loading 




THE ROSE GARDEN 



of his barges as they came and v;ent from his private wharf 
while the bell in the cupola marked the hours of labor. 

With boundless hospitality he welcomed perpetual visitors. 
Many distinguished guests arrived, and the Banquet Hall 
was built for their suitable entertainment. 

Washinojton delicfhted in beautifvins; Mount Vernon. He 
loved its trees, its fruits, its gardens and box hedges. 

It is necessary to see ]Mount Vernon to appreciate the 
magnitude of the work that has been accomplished there. 
It would fill a book to tell it all. 

Look at the sea wall that prevents the river current from 
washing the shore away This extended wall was the gift 
of the Vice-Regent for California, Mrs. Phoebe A. Hearst. 



It was a feat of engineering skill that bored the tunnel 
under the hill and emptied many hidden springs into the 
river that endangered the safety of the mansion itself by' 
causing landslides. 

See the enormous chemical fire apparatus with reservoirs 

for water near the house and a forcing engine upon tht- 

river brink, bringing an endless water supply with every 
modern equipment for service. 

See the heating plant at a distance from the buildings. 

The restoration of the Ha! Ha! wall is a recent work, 
done with brick from an ancient home of the Washingtons, 
together with the brick remaining of the old wall. 

The tread of the watchman sounds all night around 
IMount Vernon. 

The employees in uniform are a regularly constituted 
quard during visitors' hours. 

A Partial List of Relics at Mount Vernon 

In the main hall of the mansion hang four swords. 
Here is the sword Washington used in the Braddock cam- 
paign. 

Here his dress sword. 

This third is a sword that was made for Washington at 
the Solingen Armor}-, in Prussia. 

This last (a recent gift), the silver mounted blade that 
he wore when resigning command of the armv in 1783, and 
also at his inauguration as President in 1789. 




WASHINGTON S RlXJM 



The marble top table beneath the swords belonged to 
Washington. 

The key of the bastile presented to Washington by 
LaFavette hano;s in the hall. 

A rug woven })y order of Louis XVI and sent by him a 
present to Washington (in west parlor). 

The harpsichord presented by Washington to Nellie Cus- 
tis as a wedding gift — his flute and embroidery frame of 
Nellie Custis (in music room). 

Family sideboard, knife boxes, pitchers and wine glasses. 

The "tambour desk" and chair used by Washington in 
the library and left by his will to Dr. Craik. His globe 
and surveyor's tripod and many books bearing his autograph. 

His mother's Bible recording his birth is in main hall. 



A pair of brass fire dogs, presented to Washington by 
LaFayette (in Banquet Hall). 

In his bed room. The bed upon which Washington died 
was entrusted to the care of the Vice-Regent of Virginia 
many years ago as a loan by Gen. G. N. Custis Lee. Gen*. 
Lee has recently givejt his interest in it to the Association. 
Gen. Lee also loaned wall brackets in gilt and a mirror that 
are in music room. 

Washington's mothqj-'s arm chair is here, and two cushions 
in worsted cross-stitch done by Mrs. ]Martha Washington; 
also a chair cover embroidered by Francis, the daughter of 
his brother, Charles Washington, who married her cousin, 
Col. Burgess Ball, his aide de camp. 

A candle stand, two tables, and a hair trunk bearing 
G. W. in brass nails. 

The shaving stand presented to ^^'ashington by the French 
minister to this country is a massive, elegant, and most in- 
teresting relic. 

These are only a part of the relics to be seen at Mount 
Vernon. They are all well attested. 

The Grand Council meets annually in May. At this 
time every detail of the management of ]Mount Vernon is 
passed in careful review. No detail is too small for con- 
sideration. 

Written directions are given from Council to the Supei- 
intendent, Mr. Harrison H. Dodge, and to the Assistant 
Superintendent, Mr. James Voung, concerning work to be 
done during the ensuing year. All accounts are audited, 
and between Council monthly reports are made to the Re- 



EAST VIEW, HA-HA WALL 



gent. The Regent 
visits Mount Ver- 
non statedly be 
tween Councils. 

The Riggs fam- 
ily, of Washington, 
were from earliest 
years the staunch 
friends of this As- 
sociation, and the 
late lamented Mr. 
Frank Riggs was 
for many years its 
Treasurer. 

An Endowment 
Fund now ap- 
proaching $120 000 
has been accumu- 
lated by gifts from 
States and from in- 
dividuals and scL:ie- 
ties and by the in- 
terest accruing. 

This sum is held inviolable to meet any unforseen emer- 
gency. In case of disaster in the course of years the Asso- 
ciation holds the exact plans of the mansion in every detail, 
and should such a day come a complete reproduction could 
be made. Every precaution of watchful care is taken for 
the safety of Mount Vernon. 




In the old kitchen at Mount Vernon may be bought 
guide books, Mount Vernon views, post cards of Mount 
Vernon, the delightful book written for the Association by 
Dr. Thos. Nelson Page, and other sketches exceedingly 
pleasing to visitors. 

From all sources, including large gifts, the revenue of 
Mount Vernon in the year 1911 was $37,873.35. Its ex- 
penses of every kind were $34,045.00, leaving a balance of 
$3,828.35. All of this and more is published in the annual 
report to be read by all. Reports may be secured from the 
Superintendent at INIount Vernon. 

Expenses increase as the number of visitors increase, and 
this necessitates additional guards. 

Needless to say that salaries are paid only to employees. 

To the ladies of this Association this is simply a work 
of patriotic devotion to Washington. 

Some of the Vice-Regents give largely each year from 
their private fortune. 

Mr. Arthur Brice, of Washington, D. C, is Treasurer. 

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 

Mr. Lewis Cass Ledyard. of New York City. 
Hon. George Gray, of Wilmington, Del. 
Major William Anderson, Lexington, Xa.., (who is the 
successor of the late Chief Justice Fuller). 

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association stands true to 
its sacred trust. While the outside w^orld rushes and surges 
the calm beauty of this lovely spot will remain. 

Mount Vernon will be preserved forever sacred to the 
memory of Washington. 

Mrs. CHARLES B. BALL, 

Vice-Regent for firginia, Mount Vernon Ladies' Aisociation of the Union 



MAY 16 19>^ 



WHITTET a SHEPPERSON. PRINTERS, RICHMOND. VA 



W 84 



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